Online Gambler Unsuccessful in Pursuing Legal Action Against MGM Resorts After Suffering Large Losses
A disgruntled gambler, who suffered a staggering loss of around $25 million at BetMGM and Borgata online casinos, has faced a setback in his lawsuit against MGM Resorts. Sam Antar contended that the company neglected to curb his compulsive gambling and even motivated him to continue betting through VIP privileges [4].
However, courts across the nation have repeatedly denied that casinos have a responsibility to safeguard compulsive gamblers. In this particular case, a federal judge dismissed Antar's initial lawsuit in 2020, and a panel of judges affirmed this decision on Monday [5]. Senior US Circuit Judge Jane Richards Roth commented that New Jersey provides casinos with comprehensive protection from private litigation.
Antar's legal representation asserted that the role of a VIP host shares similarities with that of any ordinary salesperson [6]. They argued that the host's awareness of Antar's gambling problem implied the deliberate sale of a harmful product, an action prohibited by state law. Yet, the judges determined that Antar failed to provide evidence demonstrating any misleading communication in the 1,800 texts exchanged between Antar and the two hosts from June 2019 to January 2020 [7].
It is essential to acknowledge that, in New Jersey, casinos are not legally accountable for promoting compulsive gambling through VIP perks and communication, owing to existing regulations and court verdicts [1]. Instead, the state focuses on combating problem gambling through legislative reforms and supportive services [2][3]. Consequently, the current legal landscape in New Jersey absolves casinos from any liability related to individual gambling issues.
- In contrast to Antar's assertion, courts in New Jersey have consistently maintained that casinos, like Borgata, are not responsible for safeguarding compulsive gamblers, as seen in the dismissal of his lawsuit in 2020.
- The ongoing legal battle between Antar and MGM Resorts highlights the issue of VIP hosts' role in promoting gambling, but the courts have yet to find any misleading communication or illegal action by the hosts in question.
- In light of these court verdicts and regulations, casinos in New Jersey, such as those offering casino-games like poker and slots or participating in lotteries, are not held liable for promoting compulsive gambling through VIP perks and communication.
- Despite the lack of legal accountability, New Jersey continues to focus on combating problem gambling through legislative reforms and supportive services, positioning itself as a leader in addressing gambling trends and individual issues related to compulsive gambling.
